Nature's best

Making a commitment to build a sustainable home is not something many of us have done, and yet the result is no less successful than using conventional methods.

At first glance, this home appears similar to other large, contemporary homes which, says architect John Bulcock of Design Unit, is the secret to its success.

"Language-wise, the house is similar to other significant homes. However, the emphasis here is on providing more than just a comfortable living environment within an aesthetically pleasing shell. The home also needs to sit lightly in its surroundings from both a physical and ecological standpoint."

To ensure that owners Gary Dublanko and Dea Zoffmann would live comfortably, Bulcock designed a home incorporating a number of passive features that would mitigate the use of artificial cooling an important consideration, given the home's tropical setting.

"The design follows the contours of the site, sloping down from the roadside. I positioned the master suite in a separate, angled block to the living areas, which helps channel the flow of air between the two structures.

"Keeping the space as open as possible is key, which is why the ensuite bathroom is open to the surroundings. Only the bedroom itself can be completely closed off," says Bulcock.

"Initially, it is a challenging concept a house that is largely open to the environment," says Dublanko. "But we had already spent 10 years living in the tropics, and understood the drawbacks of conventional housing in terms of energy usage.

"The almost constant air flow, coupled with the stable thermal mass of the concrete structure and grass roof ensures the house remains cool throughout the day. Everyone who has visited us has commented on how cool the house is, even without air conditioning."

Story by: Justin Foote